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Amazon Web Services has been tapped to deliver a “top-secret cloud” in partnership with the Australian Signals Directorate.
The Australian federal government has announced a partnership between Amazon Web Services and the Australian Signals Directorate to build a sovereign “top-secret cloud” in Australia.
Over the next 10 years, $2 billion will be invested in the project, and it is expected to generate 2,000 Australian jobs as AWS engages with local businesses as part of the design and development process.
The Top Secret Cloud – or TS Cloud – will be used by agencies within the Defence and National Intelligence Community to securely host sensitive data, and it is also expected to improve communications resilience during military operations. The TS Cloud will also boost cooperation with the United States.
The government said the creation of the TS Cloud is an “important step in implementing the 2024 National Defence Strategy”.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the project is about delivering “world-leading protection for our nation”.
“We face a range of complex and serious security challenges, and I am incredibly proud of the work our national security agencies undertake on a daily basis to keep Australians safe. We must never underestimate their value and importance. That is what this investment today is about,” the Prime Minister said in a statement.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles said the TS Cloud is a priority for the Albanese government.
“This cutting-edge technology will enhance Defence’s resilience, improve the ADF’s warfighting capacity, strengthen interoperability with key international partners and deliver up to 2,000 Australian jobs,” Minister Marles said.
The director-general of the Australian Signals Directorate, Rachel Noble PSM, added that the project was a “vital part of our REDSPICE program, which is lifting our intelligence and offensive and defensive cyber capabilities”.
Dave Levy, vice president, worldwide public sector for Amazon Web Services, said the company was excited about the project.
“Amazon Web Services is excited to embark on this strategic partnership with the Australian government to provide our most innovative, efficient and effective cloud services to help Australia enhance its national defence capabilities and protect its citizens,” Levy said.
“This partnership will enable the Australian government and its defence and intelligence agencies to securely share information, speed up innovation, and achieve their missions faster. We look forward to supporting the Australian government’s mission of protecting and advancing Australia’s interests, and remain steadfast in our long-term commitment to Australia, helping drive innovation and improving lives for its communities.”
David Hollingworth has been writing about technology for over 20 years, and has worked for a range of print and online titles in his career. He is enjoying getting to grips with cyber security, especially when it lets him talk about Lego.
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